Here we may aid, comfort, and protect each other in our journey through the labyrinth of human life, and by cheerful companionship and social enjoyments, lighten the burdens of active duty. By means of secret signs, and other work of the Order, we are able to make ourselves known to each other wherever we may meet. We are governed by the laws and regulations of the Grand Chapter, and by a code of By-Laws framed by ourselves. These we are bound to obey so long as we remain members of the Order, and in this obedience, we shall expect you to share. Addressing the Worthy Patron, the Worthy Matron says: Worthy Patron, it is with pleasure that I introduce to you this candidate, who is prepared to assume the Obligation of the Order. _W. P._ The obligation you are about to take is a solemn pledge which you must give to this Chapter, before you can participate in the privileges of our Order. By it you bind yourself to the most solemn secrecy respecting the work of the Order, and to the performance of those acts of kindness and forbearance, which are essential to our welfare and prosperity. With this knowledge of its requirements are you willing to proceed? _Cand._ I am. _W. P._ Sister Conductress, you will cause the candidate to be in proper position at the Altar to receive the Obligation. (1.) During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music. _Cond._ Worthy Patron, the candidate is in proper position. The Chapter is called up, and the Worthy Patron takes his position on the east side of the Altar, and causes the candidate to repeat after him the following. Soft music may be played during obligation. OBLIGATION. * * * (2.) * * * _W. P._ Arise, my sister, we accept the pledge you have given, and share with you in this solemn Obligation. The Conductress takes the Bible from the candidate, when the Worthy Patron says: "Arise, my sister," he extends his right hand and assists the candidate in rising, the lights are suddenly turned up at the same time. _W. P._ You will now be received into our Order and be conducted to the several points of the Star, where you will receive instruction in those sublime virtues exemplified in the lives of Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. The Worthy Patron returns to the East, and seats the Chapter. The Conductress and candidate will leave the Altar on the right, passing out between Electa and Adah, leaving Adah on the right, all around the outside of the Star to Adah for instruction. During the march there should be vocal or instrumental music, or the Worthy Patron may recite the following: _W. P._ "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that getteth understanding." "She is more precious than rubies, and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." _Cond._ Sister Adah.